On Saturday 27 September, there was plenty to see and do at Goostrey Station as the Friends of Goostrey Station (FoGS) organised a local celebration to mark the 200th anniversary of the first Locomotion 1 journey (also known as ‘Rail 200’).
Visitors to the station were able to see a display showcasing the group’s achievements and cheer as Sarah Russell MP unveiled one of the eight new history boards that have been created by the FoGS with support from Goostrey Parish Archive. Each of the history boards records a different aspect of the 135-year history of Goostrey station.
Another VIP taking part in the event was Rosa Tomlinson – Goostrey’s Rose Queen – who buried a time capsule containing information from local people about village life in 2025. The spot where it’s buried is marked by a plaque and a newly-planted Cox’s Orange Pippin apple tree, with plans to recover it in 50 years’ time
Refreshments were provided by Goostrey’s Pastimes café, including delicious cupcakes topped with an edible ‘Railway 200’ logo. Northern’s Regional and Sustainability Manager, Rebecca Styles, dropped by to share the celebrations.
Other village groups were inspired to contribute to the bicentenary celebration. A new display by Goostrey Primary School was mounted in the platform shelter – with a theme of ‘the power of art to transport us to new places’ – while the Goostrey Footpaths Group added two walks from Goostrey station to Railway 200’s Walk for Rail Memories.